Al Khalidiya

Khalidiya (also known as Al Khalidiyah) is a cultural hub of Abu Dhabi. it is where old meets new while also showcasing the capital’s heritage. Also, Khalidiyah’s central location makes it one of the most popular areas for expats and local families looking to live right in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Consistently ranking as the second most popular area to rent apartments according to Bayut’s 2020 Abu Dhabi Rental Report, Al Khalidiyah is a notable neighbourhood in the emirate. This area guide explores how life is amid the high-rise apartment buildings and gated villa communities of the area.

• Mostly mid- to high-rise apartment buildings and a few villas
• Close to the popular Abu Dhabi Corniche beach
• Ideal for young professionals as well as families
• Beautiful waterfront views from most houses
• Watersport fans have plenty of activities in proximity

Khalidiya is irrefutably the heart of Abu Dhabi. This neighbourhood has a bit of everything; the beach, park, and proximity to most commercial hubs in the capital. The sheer choice of rental properties in Khalidiyah is also a huge plus point for those considering to move to this locality. The numerous buildings in the area are a mix of residential and commercial towers.

Apartments in Khalidiya Abu Dhabi come in various configurations, ranging from studios to 4-bedroom flats for rent. Khalidiya Village is a prominent villa community in by master-developer ALDAR. Apart from that, various independent villa compounds in Al Khalidiyah also offer spacious units.

As one of the most popular areas in the capital, Al Khalidiya Abu Dhabi attracts an eclectic mix of people from different backgrounds. The area is popular among expats and locals alike, making it a vibrant community for families as well as young professionals. The cultural mix is similar to the overall population of the UAE, with residents hailing from South Asia, Europe and the GCC.

Those looking for Al Khalidya floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Al Khalidiya.

At the heart of Abu Dhabi, Al Khalidiyah offers a wide range of staycation choices for tourists. A few notable hotels in Khalidiya include:

• Downtown Sheraton Khalidiyah Hotel
• Oryx Hotel

Guests can plan their stay at Downtown Sheraton, a signature 3-star hotel in the vicinity. Also located close to the Corniche, Oryx Hotel is a 4-star hotel offering premium staycation deals in waterfront suites.

Residents in Al Khalidiya Abu Dhabi can park their vehicles at dedicated spots. Around the area, there are plenty of paid public parking spaces, especially by the Corniche. However, parking areas around popular areas do fill up quite quickly over weekends and can be a hassle for visitors dropping by the district.

Those relying on public transportation to get to Al Khalidiya can take Bus 31 that drops off at Khalidiyah Park, while Bus 35 covers routes from Corniche Beach to Dhafeer Street. Government-owned taxis are also easy to find along the Corniche.

Let’s take a look at all the amenities available to residents in Khalidiya.

The go-to grocery shopping destination for residents is the Lulu Hypermarket located in central Khalidiyah Mall. There are several supermarkets in Khalidiyah such as Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society and Al Maya. Also, residents can also pick up day-to-day essentials from one of the many corner shops located around the community.

There are several mosques in Khalidiya Abu Dhabi. Abu Baker Siddique Mosque is one of the oldest and most well-known landmarks in the area. Those looking for churches can visit St. Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi, it is located over in Al Mushrif, about 13 minutes away, while the Hindu Temple is further away in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

Parents have plenty of quality schools in Khalidiya to choose from for their children. American Community School of Abu Dhabi (American and IB curriculum-based) and Al Bateen Academy (UK and IB curriculum offered) are amongst the popular choices. The prestigious International School of Chouiefat in the Al Mushrif area is also just a short 11-minute drive from Khalidiya. It is known to be one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi. For younger children, the closest nursery is Tiny Dreams, while the well-known British Orchard Nursery and Ladybird Nursery are also nearby.

For older students, European International College and Emirates College of Technology are located in the community itself. Other notable universities such as Sorbonne Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island and Khalifa University in Al Mushrif are nearby.

There are numerous medical centres and facilities around the community. The main healthcare centres in Khalidiya include Amrita Medical Centre and Al Kamal Medical Polyclinics. The more well-known Mediclinic is located in the neighbouring area, Al Bateen. The nearest hospital to Al Khalidiyah is King’s College Hospital London, while NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi is also just 10 minutes away in the Madinat Zayed area. Also located in Al Khalidiyah is Corniche Hospital, one of the largest maternity hospitals in the UAE.

One of the larger districts in Abu Dhabi, Khalidiya shares its western border with Al Bateen. To the east of the community, you can track Al Manhal and Al Zaab while the community of Al Rowdah is to the south. The area’s northern ridge is connected to the popular Abu Dhabi Corniche which is a great place to visit for those living in Al Khalidiya. Abu Dhabi’s central Khaleej Al Arabi Street runs right through Al Khalidiya Abu Dhabi, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city.

The neighbourhood’s Khalidiyah Mall is the most obvious choice for those looking to get their shopping fix. Along with being the area’s go-to mall, the enormous landmark features Islamic architecture mimicking the old-meets-new vibe that echoes throughout the community. The mall houses the usual suspects along with a few international luxury brands. Stores in Khalidiyah Mall include everything from fashion to furnishings to consumer electronics making it a favourite amongst residents.

Those living in Khalidiya Abu Dhabi can also opt for a different shopping experience by visiting independent retailers in the back streets. Expect to find an assorted range of products and services here, from textile shops to electronics repair services.

The community is one of the top areas for foodies in Abu Dhabi. Apart from fast-food chains found in Khalidiyah Mall, there are many popular restaurants around the area. There is Jones the Grocer and The Living Room in Khalidiyah Village. Cantina Laredo located in Khalidiyah Mall serves Mexican food, while Gazebo (also located in Khalidiya Mall) is a popular favourite for Indian cuisine.

The hotels in the area cater to those looking to explore the nightlife. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel situated on the Corniche has numerous bars and restaurants to choose from, offering a range of cuisines from Tex-Mex to Italian. Oryx Hotel’s Fado Irish Pub is also a great choice for those looking to enjoy a fun night out. For more luxury dining options, residents may need to head out to nearby hotels such as Hilton Abu Dhabi, Khalidiyah Palace Rayhaan and St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

One of the best perks enjoyed by those living in Khalidiya is the proximity to the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach. The area has been a favourite in the capital for families and friends to enjoy a day in the sun. Touted to be one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche Beach waterfront sprawls over 8 kilometres of shoreline, dotted with cafés, children’s play areas, and cycling pathways. The beach has ample parking and has been granted a Blue Flag status, the international eco-label that deems water to be safe and clean for bathing.

Most popular areas to visit in Al Khalidiyah for residents are the Abu Dhabi Corniche or Khalidiya Mall on weekends. The Corniche has a 6-kilometre boardwalk, with numerous waterfront eateries along the way. Whether you are just chilling on the beach or looking to get active with rented bikes, this is the perfect place to be. In addition, Khalidiyah Mall also has a cinema, Bowling City and a fun centre for children.

The area is also perfect for art lovers with numerous quaint art galleries including Etihad Modern Art Gallery and Folklore Gallery, both of which represent local as well as international artists.

Watersports enthusiasts can head over to Hiltonia Beach Club located along the Corniche for a day of windsurfing. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel also offers banana boat rides for those looking for fun things to try out.

If there is one thing that Al Khalidiyah offers its residents in abundance, it’s outdoor recreational spaces. Apart from the Corniche, there is a public park which is a favourite amongst families and individuals to enjoy evening walks, jogging or just some light exercises. The park also has a children’s play area, complete with lush landscaped gardens that provide a natural space in the heart of the community.

Tenants can also tour the Corniche by hiring a bicycle, from bike-renting stations scattered in the area. Choices range from mountain bikes to city bikes which can fit two or three passengers on the back, and even specially designed bikes for ladies wearing abayas.

Health aficionados can have their pick of fitness studios and gyms. Lifeline Wellness in the area offers cardio, weight training and group classes like aerobics, Zumba, yoga, body pump and pilates. VivaFit, a ladies-only fitness studio in Al Khalidiyah, is also quite popular in the area.

Beauty salons located in the neighbourhood offer the basic essentials of self-pampering. The area is dotted with numerous salons catering to both, men and women. For a more luxurious treatment, all-time favourite Sisters Beauty Lounge is conveniently located a few minutes away in Al Bateen.

Almost all the exciting things that happen in Khalidiya Abu Dhabi take place on the Corniche. The popular beach in Abu Dhabi draws thousands throughout the year, thanks to the many festivals and events that are hosted there. Notable events that take place on Corniche Street include Abu Dhabi Sports Council City Run and the Mother of the Nation Festival (in honour of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak). The latter is one of the more large-scale events to take place on the Corniche with a series of displays, activities and performances throughout the festival. The locality’s Khalidiyah Mall also regularly hosts exciting children’s activities to mark special occasions such as Christmas and Eid.

Those thinking of moving to Khalidiya will find that the neighbourhood allows a comfortable lifestyle. The family-friendly community close proximity to the Corniche is vibrant and offers only rental apartments and villas at the moment. If you are interested in buying properties in Khalidiyah, you can invest in some residential plots and buildings on offer. There are both, pros and cons of living in Al Khalidiya. Due to its popularity, it might be a challenge for visitors to find a parking spot, especially on weekends. All in all, Al Khalidiyah is one of the more happening neighbourhoods in the glorious capital.

• Abu Dhabi International Airport is about 30 minutes away
• 17 minutes’ drive to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• 5 minutes from Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Yas Island is 30 minutes away
• Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Dubai
• Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is 1 hour and 40 minutes away